These Are the 10 Coolest Sneakers of the Week

It's the first week of the new year, and that means it's time to start your 2018 sneaker collection. There are some powerful entries already with two takes on the VaporMax (including one with a new lacing system that we think is very cool), some metallic Vans sneakers, and classic Air Maxes. Plus, Brandblack teamed up with Commonwealth to offer a more affordable version of some very high-end shoes. All that, plus a lot more drop this week. Time to get to work!

There are two trends at work here: On one side, the chunky dad sneaker, and on the other, the distressed sneaker look. It was only a matter of time before they converged at an accessible price point. This week, Brandblack had teamed up with Commonwealth on a duo on Aura sneakers that they're calling "Disruption." The limited shoes are all hand-dyed and distressed, making each and every pair special. There's no word on exactly what day or at what price they'll be made available, but for now, they're cool to look at. These certainly aren't for everyone (pre-distressed sneakers aren't exactly a trend for most Americans), but they'll end up being a more affordable version of shoes from fashion houses like Balenciaga and Gucci, if that's your aesthetic.

The heyday of Nike's SB Dunk program saw hundreds of special-edition sneakers, each one more desirable than the last. There was an unofficial pack of "Raygun" Dunks that paired orange and yellow with black and white and embroidered aliens. The shoes were monumentally collectable. This week, Nike's basketball program is applying one of those looks to Kyrie Irving's signature sneaker. The shoes seem to only be available at Foot Locker's Boston Sneakeasy, a reservation-only sneaker shopping experience in one location. If you're not a local, look for these to pop up on the secondary market starting next week.

We love anything with a little bit of shine. This week, Vans is bringing it with its metallic silver collection, featuring a pair of Slip-Ons and a pair of Old Skools. Both shoes are staples in the skateboarding community, but the silver finish elevates the look to the next level. We know the holidays have already come and gone, but that doesn't mean you can't rock something a little bit extra to be a little bit extra.

Adidas' NMD has gone through a massive identity transformation over the last couple years, and the latest version offers yet another twist. The NMD R1 STLT uses a pattern of stitching to create stability in the upper and an incredible design that fits in with just about any style. There are a few different colorways of the STLT dropping this week for both men and women, but our favorites are a grayscale pair, and a black pair with pink threads woven into the upper. Plus, the Boost sole means your feet will be super happy all day.

The NMD's newest silhouette, the NMD_Racer Primeknit, gets an "Urban Racing" take with all sorts of new features: a cascade of glossy appliques on the upper, a lacing system that relies on loops instead of eyelets, and special pink and green neon traction lugs at the forefoot that wrap up onto the midsole. The differences might be subtle, but they make for something truly different.

Our favorite Casual Friday sneaker—Nike's Air VaporMax—has gotten a few updates since its debut last year, but this week's is our favorite. The VaporMax Flyknit Utility replaces the lacing system with a bungee closure, and although it makes it a little too edgy for most offices, it’s just far enough off popular trend to offer a truly unique look. We love variations that bring something new to the table, and the Flyknit Utility version of the VaporMax does just that.

The Foamposite is the best sneaker that plays with shoes' inherent sculptural possibilities like it does. This week, Nike brings that to the Air Force 1. The Foamposite Cup AF1 uses the same rigid technology that makes the Foams possible but brings it to the OG basketball sneaker—meaning, the entire upper is a single piece of resilient and battle-tested plastic. Plus, it looks super dope in the iridescent blue colorway.

The traditional VaporMax hits this week in "Plum Fog," a dusty pink colorway from toe to heel that has just enough tonal variation. You already know we love sneakers that come in unconventional colors, and this shade of pink is no different. Nike may have made this pair of sneakers for the ladies, but that doesn't mean you should let that hold you back from rocking them. Just be sure to add 1.5 to your regular size to ensure the right fit.

Despite its retro look, the Air More Money is a brand-new Nike sneaker that combines one of our favorite sneakers of all time (the Nike Air More Uptempo) with a sneaker seldom seen since its debut in the 1980s (the Nike Air Money). In this olive green version, the audacious upper speaks for itself. But if it's too much for you, it's also customizable—you can remove it. Watch for Nike to drop a handful more Air More Moneys in other colors soon.

Nike's Air Max 97 is a classic—not just because it's turning 21 this year, but because the shoe looks amazing in almost every color. This Metallic Hematite version takes an otherwise subdued black colorway and adds some shine to it with a silver finish. That metallic leather alternates with deeper black leather and woven textiles to create a ton of dimension all over the sneaker. It might not be the most attention-grabbing pair of the week, but it's a pair that promises to stand the test of time.

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